Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi made his return to action for West Bromwich Albion, playing the full 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw away at Millwall in a SkyBet Championship encounter.
Ajayi had been sidelined since October 26th, when he suffered a hamstring injury in West Brom’s goalless draw against Cardiff City, forcing him to be replaced by Mason Holgate in the 79th minute.
After undergoing successful surgery, he has now returned in time to bolster the Baggies’ push for a promotion playoff spot.
The Nigeria international was an unused substitute in West Brom’s 2-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers in midweek but marked his first start after a three-month, 14-day absence in the draw against Millwall.
Ajaji made five successful tackles in the game and won five duels.
Femi Azeez, a player of Nigerian descent, opened the scoring in the 19th minute, while an own goal by Joe Bryan in the 26th minute restored parity.
Both sides pushed for a winner, but resolute defending ensured the match ended level.
Before his injury, Ajayi had started and completed all but two of West Brom’s first 12 league games of the season.
Despite a managerial change at the club, he remains the team’s first-choice center-back.
His return is also a significant boost for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who will be counting on both his club and international experience when Nigeria begins preparations for the next phase of the CAF World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
